Global markets in fossil fuels are curbing the development of renewable energy in Africa

Fossil fuels have dominated energy markets for decades and the industry has no intention of changing that. While there are efforts to transform our energy systems to low carbon energy sources, the road is not easy or straightforward. The Business Standard in India reports on the message from a UN official from the Economic Commission … Continue reading Global markets in fossil fuels are curbing the development of renewable energy in Africa →

Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania

We have seen many EU member states retreating from high feed-in tariffs for renewable energy. We see Germany bounding ahead with renewables as its centrepiece for its energy transition. We have seen the European Commission recently propose a binding target for renewable energy for 2030, but binding only EU-wide and not for individual countries, whatever … Continue reading Unintended impact of renewable energy targets in Romania →

The roller coaster approach to renewable energy policy

This article by Colm Kelpie in the Irish Independent is quite disturbing because EU and national energy policies were supposed to develop a long-term policy framework that gave investors confidence and reduced risk. Instead, we are seeing the traditional stop-start approach to energy policy. If we are serious about 2030 or 2050 energy and climate … Continue reading The roller coaster approach to renewable energy policy →

Quote of the week

Many were disappointed with last week’s proposals from the European Commission for targets for energy and climate for 2030. It is important to reflect on the words from the inventor of the “long lasting, practical” incandescent light bulb (and much more), Thomas Edison: We are like tenant farmers chopping down the fence around our house … Continue reading Quote of the week →

The winds of change

Definitely, offshore wind farms are increasingly appearing in the US. Interestingly, according to Diane Cardwell from the New York Times, companies from Europe are taking a dominant role. U.S. Offshore Wind Farm, Made in Europe Carl Horstmann strode around the floor of his factory here, passing welders honing head-high metal tubes as sparks flew. … Continue reading The winds of change →

The European Commission in the news

This week, the European Commission presented its long-expected 2030 climate and energy policy framework, whereby there will be a binding target for GHG emissions, a modest binding EU (but not at the member state level) target for renewable energy and, once again, a non-binding target for energy savings. The purpose behind the policy framework is … Continue reading The European Commission in the news →

What you always wanted to know about scotch whisky and what it can do to save energy

Who would ever think that whisky could help us meet our biofuel targets. Signe Brewster writes an interesting article in the Washington Post about using the whisky that is not used for human consumption. Scottish startup thinks whiskey can fuel more than an epic bender That 15-year Macallan you’ve been saving for a special … Continue reading What you always wanted to know about scotch whisky and what it can do to save energy →

Germany’s energy transition under the microscope

EiD has recently referred to the increased use of coal in Germany and there is a lot of speculation what this means for Germany’s energy transition policy. EiD has also had many posts on Germany’s energy transition. Now, Daniel Mittler, Political Director of Greenpeace International, provides his explanation. EiD is still hoping to hear more … Continue reading Germany’s energy transition under the microscope →

The great wall of . . . wind turbines?

David Shukman, Science Editor for the BBC, writes about the great push that China is making in the deployment of wind turbines. While already the global leader in the production of wind power, there is no letting up in the momentum to increase capacity. Still, wind only produces 2% of electricity requirements, compared to 75% … Continue reading The great wall of . . . wind turbines? →

Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission

Reuters news service provided an article in The Guardian about the controversy within the European Commission itself in agreeing on climate and energy goals for 2030. Undoubtedly, the EU wants to be a global leader but there is also the cold reality of trying to re-build momentum in the lagging economy. Can the two be … Continue reading Agreeing on 2030 climate and energy goals proving illusive within European Commission →